1999 GMC Safari vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta

To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,291 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 352 kg more than 1999 GMC Safari.

Because 1999 GMC Safari is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 1999 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1999 GMC Safari 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
Make GMC Volkswagen
Model Safari Jetta
Year Released 1999 2009
Body Type Van Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4291 cc 1984 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 187 HP 149 HP
Engine RPM 4400 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 338 Nm 200 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 3500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 8 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1955 kg 2307 kg
Vehicle Length 4830 mm 4560 mm
Vehicle Width 1980 mm 1790 mm
Vehicle Height 1910 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2830 mm 2580 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 98 L 55 L